Almost only good results in the "Kassensturz" snow sports helmet test
Smart people protect themselves. A fact that also applies to skiing and snowboarding. Kassensturz" and "K-Tipp" took a close look at which helmets protect you best.
There's no need to beat about the bush: of the ten snow sports helmets tested by "Kassensturz" and "K-Tipp", all passed. So far, so good. Nevertheless, there are differences in the overall scores and, above all, in the helmet prices. Reason enough to take a closer look at the test results.
This is how we tested
According to "Kassensturz", ten of the best-selling ski and snowboard helmets for 50 to 230 francs were put to the test. They were tested in the TÜV Rheinland laboratory in Cologne. In terms of shock absorption, by far the most important test criterion, the experts tested, among other things, how well the helmets cushion an impact and how well they stay on the head when something pulls on the helmet shell.
The rotation test was also important. When you fall on the piste, you usually don't fall head-on, but at an angle into the snow. This causes the head to rotate, which can injure the brain. The helmets also had to prove themselves in this scenario and demonstrate how well they minimise harmful rotational movements.
The "very good" test winners
Two snow sports helmets proved to be the best across all test criteria. The Salomon model shares the test victory with the "Stance" from Uvex. Both received a Swiss school grade of 5.7 and the rating "very good".
The "good" midfield
Seven of the ten helmets tested passed the test with an overall rating of "good". As their scores vary between 5.3 and 4.8, they do not differ greatly from one another. These include the models from Smith, Oakley and Giro.
Also among the "good" helmets, you will find the cheapest and the most expensive model tested. The helmet from Wedze, which "K-Tipp" and "Kassensturz" bought for around 50 francs, scored an even better Swiss 5 (equivalent to a German 2) than the Poc model for almost 230 francs. Once again, good proof that good protection doesn't always have to be expensive.
By the way, both helmets were not purchased from Galaxus for the test, so our prices may differ.
The "sufficient" tail light
The red test lantern goes to the helmet from Alpina. With a score of 4.6, the "Arber" only just missed out on a better overall rating and had to make do with a "sufficient". "Kassensturz" and "K-Tipp" state that the Alpina model also protects in the event of an impact, just a little less well than the other helmets tested.
Helmet on, piste down
In contrast to the past, more than 90 per cent of all skiers and snowboarders in Switzerland now wear a helmet, as the Accident Prevention Bureau (bfu) writes. And that's a good thing. After all, head injuries are one of the most common consequences of an accident on the piste. According to the bfu, a helmet can prevent around a third of all head injuries.
Header image: Shutterstock / Pavel L Photo and Video
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